Towel warmer for use in conjunction with a hot tub

ABSTRACT

A retrofittable towel warmer for use with a hot tub preferably comprises a flexible conduit portion which is attachable to one of the jets of the hot tub together with a rigid thermally conductive portion which is detachably mountable on an exterior mast support. There is also preferably provided an exterior housing surrounding the thermally conductive portion designed to provide maximum thermal contact with the cloth material to be heated. The entire unit may be immersed in the hot tub or pool water when not in use. In an alternate embodiment a container having a thermally absorptive medium is provided in a structure which is easily mounted on the mast. In an alternate embodiment a container having a thermally absorptive medium is provided in a structure which is easily mounted on a supporting mast.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No.11/480,011 filed on Jun. 30, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is generally directed to towel warmers usable inconjunction with a hot tub. More particularly, the present invention isdirected to a towel warmer that is retrofittable for use with anexisting hot tub.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hot tubs have become more and more plentiful and have been added toexisting home units as retrofit items themselves. Hot tubs are alsofrequently installed as options in new home construction as well. Theirrelaxing and therapeutic benefits are appreciated by a growingpercentage of the population. They are being added along with theconstruction of exterior decks, sun porches, solariums and more. Theycan even be installed in their own separate housing units apart fromone's main house structure.

In use, when a typical user leaves the hot tub, it is often desirable towrap oneself as soon as is convenient, in a towel, bathrobe, garment orother material to be warmed. In colder climes, it is very desirable thatthe towel not be the same temperature as the air. However, many hottubs, though not all, do not provide a mechanism for warming towels orother clothing material used to wrap around one's body. And even thosehot tubs that do include such a facility may not include sufficientfacilities for the desired number of towels or other garments.Accordingly, it is desirable to provide hot tubs with facilities andmechanisms for warming towels and other body coverings for use inconjunction with the use of the hot tub.

While one of the mechanisms for towel warming could be provided by anexternal electrical device, there are hazards associated with the use ofelectrical heating elements in conjunction with a human size containercontaining a potentially electrically conductive fluid. This isparticularly true in the case of a towel heating mechanism that isprovided in the form of a retrofitted device or kit, especially asopposed to a design that is already included by the manufacturer of thehot tub with the proper electrical connections and insulation in placeas part of a “ground up” design. Furthermore, retrofittable towelwarmers based on electrical resistance heating ignore the fact thatthere is already present a significant source of thermal energy, namely,the water in the hot tub itself.

Towel warmers per se are not new. They are often found provided inupscale hotels and resorts. Some hot tubs also already come equippedwith towel warming mechanisms. For example, one such mechanism isillustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,175,970 issued to John Pinciaro on Jan.23, 2001 and having a filing date of Sep. 13, 1999. Another suchbuilt-in design is shown in published U.S. Patent Application No.2002/0129514 published on Sep. 19, 2002 and having been filed on Mar.13, 2001. However, neither of these designs represents or describes amechanism which is easily retrofitted to an already existing hot tubwhich has not already incorporated such a feature.

Accordingly, it is seen that there is a need for a towel warmingmechanism that may be used in conjunction with a hot tub and, moreparticularly, in the form of a device or system that can be retrofittedto existing hot tubs in a convenient and easy fashion without the needfor an electrical connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A towel warmer for use in conjunction with a hot tub comprises aflexible fluid conduit adapted for connection at a first end to a sourceof water at an elevated temperature from the hot tub together with athermally conductive fluid conduit connected to the second end of theflexible fluid conduit. The thermally conductive conduit has aconfiguration which provides greater thermal contact area with saidtowel than a straight length of thermally conductive conduit. Lastly,there is provided a support for the thermally conductive fluid conduitwhich holds it so that the end thereof, which is not connected to theflexible conduit, is disposed so that water exiting therefrom isdirectable into the hot tub.

Put more briefly, the towel warmer comprises a flexible conduit which isin fluid communication with a thermally conductive conduit intended forcontact with the towel or other material to be warmed. Finally, there isprovided a support mast or pole for the thermally conductive conduitwhich ideally positions the unit so that water flowing through the twocoupled conduits may be directed back into the hot tub. The maststructure may be either free standing or affixed to the tub or spa. Ifthe thermally conductive conduit is also flexible, there is only asingle conduit that is needed. At one end of the flexible conduit thereis preferably disposed a mechanism for insertion, attaching or couplinginto one of the jets in the hot tub. The unit may also be provided withan enclosure which surrounds towels being warmed by the device. Suchenclosures hasten, protect and enhance the warming of the towels andmaintains their higher temperature for a longer period of time thanwithout their use.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a towel warmer comprisesa hollow container for holding a material capable of storing thermalenergy. Unlike the embodiment described above, this embodiment does notrely on a flow connection to the hot tub. However, like theabove-described embodiment, this embodiment also relies upon thermalenergy present in the tub water. In this embodiment, the container isshaped to provide a contact surface consistent with the shape of theitem to be warmed, such as a towel, but also including other items suchas bath robes and swim wear. The container may include such items as oilor any convenient material capable of absorbing thermal energy such asrocks, sand, pebbles. It may also include an opening, controlled orotherwise, for the inclusion of spa water itself. This embodiment mayalso be mounted on the mast used for the above-described embodiment.

As used herein, the term “hot tub” is meant to refer to any similarlynamed or constructed device, such as a spa, as long as it includes ahuman size container with warmed water directed into the container viajets of warmed water, with or without aeration (air entrained in thecirculating water). Furthermore, while the present invention isdescribed as a towel warmer, it may be used to add heat to any otherconvenient item that can be placed in thermal contact with theconductive conduit or portions thereof. For example, it may be used towarm swim wear or bath robes but is not limited in its use to anyspecific one or combination of these items.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a towelwarmer for use in conjunction with a hot tub.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a warmingmechanism for any convenient object that might be used in associationwith a hot tub.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a kit ofparts that may be assembled for use with a hot tub as a warming device.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide amechanism with which a hot tub or similar device is proved with a towelwarmer.

It is a yet further object of the present invention to provide a towelwarmer for a hot tub without the need for electrical connectionsthereto.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a towelwarmer that may be conveniently stored within the hot tub itself betweenuses.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a towel warmingmechanism which is conveniently storable within the hot tub itself, thatis, within or in close proximity to the hot tub water and/or beneath anyhot tub cover such as those intended to maintain water temperature byproviding an insulative tub cover.

Lastly, but not limited hereto, it is an object of the present inventionto provide an economical towel warmer for a hot tub, spa or similardevice.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniquesof the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the inventionare described in detail herein and are also considered a part of theclaimed invention.

The recitation herein of a list of desirable objects which are met byvarious embodiments of the present invention is not meant to imply orsuggest that any or all of these objects are present as essentialfeatures, either individually or collectively, in the most generalembodiment of the present invention or in any of its more specificembodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularlypointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of thespecification. The invention, however, both as to organization andmethod of practice, together with the further objects and advantagesthereof, may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a portion of a towel warmer particularlyillustrating a possible configuration of a warmed conduit intended forcontacting the towel or other material to be heated;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view illustrating one form of coupling that isespecially useful for connection with existing hot tub water jets;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an alternate water coupling mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a side partially cross-sectional view illustrating oneplacement mechanism for a supporting mast for holding the towel warmer;

FIG. 5A is a top plan view illustrating an embodiment in which thethermally conductive conduit is disposed in an A-frame structure, withor without an underlying support;

FIG. 5B is a side elevation view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5A moreparticularly showing its A-frame structure;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view illustrating one configuration, a coiledspiral, in which the thermally conductive conduit may be disposed, forexample, as an alternative to the configurations shown in either FIG. 1or 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment ofthe present invention as well as the environment in which it istypically employed;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 except more particularly illustratingan embodiment in which a supporting mast is affixed to the hot tub orspa;

FIG. 9 is a partially cross-sectional view more particularlyillustrating the coupling of the flexible conduit portion of theapparatus such as by the tapered insertion fitting shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the present inventionwhich more particularly illustrates a mast fastening mechanism togetherwith the inclusion of a horizontal conduit portion for supporting atowel or like material as if placed on a table;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a coupling mechanism that may beemployed between the nominally flexible and the thermally conductiveportions of the apparatus as well as between segments of the device whenstructured as a kit for assembly;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram view illustrating the systemic aspects of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but moreparticularly illustrating a hot tub or spa specifically adapted toholding a mast which in turn supports a towel (or other material)warming apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 9 but more particularly showing theplacement of a valve for controlling operation of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention in which there is no continuous flow connection with the waterin a hot tub;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view showing storage of one or both of theembodiments herein against the underside of a tub or spa cover;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view illustrating an embodiment of the presentinvention in which a thermally conductive conduit portion comprises aplurality of conduits fed from a single manifold;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side elevation view illustrating one methodin which parallel flow, thermally conductive conduits may be formed orstructured;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side elevation view illustrating one methodfor forming a large surface area, thermally conductive set of conduitsfor warming a cloth garment or fabric;

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of a hot tub or spa illustrating analternative mechanism to a mast for support;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view illustrating a structure similar to thestructure shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, but more particularly showing astructure which could be hung on the side of a hot tub or spa using thedevice shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional end view of a device in accordance with thepresent invention which makes use of the ability of a sealed containerholding a garment to provide thermal contact with warmed spa waterdirectly, as by immersion therein;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional side elevation view of a device inaccordance with the present invention which more particularlyillustrates an arrangement of internal volumes to achieve garmentwarming;

FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 12 but includes other embodiments,particularly those related to the use of a pump for circulation and theuse of a solar heater/collector; and

FIG. 25 is a view identical to FIG. 24 except that it illustrates theuse of a solar photovoltaic unit to power a circulating pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A description of the present invention is best begun with considerationof FIG. 7 which illustrates but one embodiment. In particular, FIG. 7shows hot tub or spa 120 containing water 125. Water 125 is heated bymeans not shown nor relevant to the construction or use of the presentinvention. Water 125 also has directed into it jets of water (see FIG.9) driven by mechanisms that are also not relevant to the constructionor use of the present invention. A towel warmer, as provided herein, issupported by mast 150. As shown in FIG. 7, mast 150 is disposed in theground or floor 115 and may or may not be affixed or attached to hot tubor spa structure 120. Other mast locations are shown in FIGS. 8 and 13as discussed in more detail below.

Mast 150 supports thermally conductive conduit 102 which preferablycomprises a thermally conductive material conducting such as copper oraluminum. Thermally conductive conduit 102 may also comprise carbonfiber or even ceramic materials. Additionally, conduit 102 may alsocomprise jointed metal conduits such as those found on detachablehand-held bathtub shower devices. Hook, nail, strap, clip fastener orany other convenient supporting device 151 is employed to providesupport for conduit 102 with respect to mast 150. While device 151 isshown positioned at an upper portion of mast 150, it is noted that itsposition is best chosen as a function of jet water pressure. Forsituations of lower water pressure from the spa jets, device 151 ispreferably positioned lower on the mast which may be provided with aplurality of locations for device 151 or with a plurality of devices151. It is clearly desirable that device 151 be positioned at an upperlocation on mast 150 so as to readily permit water to flow back into hottub 120. FIG. 7 shows device 151 implemented as a nail. Thermallyconductive conduit 102 is preferably sufficiently rigid to support anend 102′ which extends over water 125. In operation water exits thisportion of conduit 102 and is deposited into water 125. This may occurabove the surface of water 125 or below it. FIG. 7 also illustrates theconnection to flexible conduit 101. The flexibility of conduit 101permits the assembly comprising conduits 101 and 102 to be disposed inan immersed position in water 125. This is convenient for hot tubs andspas which possess a cover for retaining heat between uses. Theflexibility of conduit 101 is also convenient for the retrofittingcapabilities of the present invention. Conduit 101 may comprise anyconvenient flexible material but polymeric materials and rubbermaterials are preferred.

Thermally conductive conduit 102 is disposed in a configuration whichprovides greater contact with the material to be heated than would beprovided by a linear section of conduit. For example, thermallyconductive conduit 102 in FIG. 7 is provided in the form of a spiralcoil. Such a coil is illustrated in more detail in FIG. 6. Otherconfigurations are illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 10. For example, FIG. 10illustrates an alternate embodiment of the invention in which thermallyconductive conduit 102 is affixed to mast 150 by means of plastic straps152 such as those that are conventionally employed to hold bundles ofelectrical wires together. A straight portion of thermally conductiveconduit 102 extends upward along mast 150. At the top of mast 150,conduit 102 possesses a loop configuration which ultimately descends andforms circular horizontal portion 103 which conveniently acts as a tablelike structure for supporting material to be heated. Flow directionarrows are provided in FIG. 10 to more particularly bring out the shapeof the structure which is shown in the isometric view. In general, flowdirection is not critical for operation of the present invention.

As indicated above, thermally conductive conduit 102 is disposable inany convenient structure designed to provide greater contact area with atowel (or similar material). FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a flat coilstructure. FIG. 10 illustrates a more complex structure including a loopand a horizontal circular portion (which could also be configured as aloop having more than a single circular portion; that is, horizontalportion 103 may also comprise a coil structure such as that shown inFIG. 6). An alternate structure for thermally conductive coil 102 isillustrated in FIG. 5 which includes FIG. 5A showing a top view of anA-frame conduit configuration which is more visible as such from theside view of same shown in FIG. 5B. For thermally conductive conduitmaterials comprising relatively flexible materials, it is possible todispose thermally conductive conduit 102 on a support structure. Supportstructure 140 shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B is such a structure. To providean A-frame configuration over which it is convenient to drape towels (orthe like), support structure 140 is provided with hinge 141. It isnoted, however, that any convenient support structure or conduitconfiguration may be provided. Thermally conductive conduit 102 isaffixed to support 140 by any convenient means, including gluing,braids, U-bolts, plastic straps, ties, cords and the like. Supportstructure 140 preferably comprises a thermally conductive materialwhich, like conduit 102, is capable of transferring thermal energy totowels (or the like).

FIG. 1 also illustrates yet another configuration for conduit 102. It isalso noted that conduit 102, or any portion thereof, may be disposed atleast partially in the form of a helix (not shown). In fact anystructure which enhances the surface area of thermally conductiveconduit 102 may be employed. Thermally conductive conduit 102 may bedisposed so as to wind back upon itself (as in FIG. 1) one or more timeswithin a planar region (FIGS. 5, 6 and 7) or within a three-dimensionalvolume (FIGS. 5 and 10).

FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred mechanism for coupling the presentinvention to an existing hot tub or spa. In particular, flexible conduit101 is provided with a tapered end portion 111 which provides a frictionfit into one of the water jets found in a hot tub or spa. See FIG. 9 inwhich tapered end 111 is shown inserted into existing water jet 121. Forthose hot tubs or spas which anticipate connections to be made to thetub water supply, there may be provided threaded, snap fit or quickrelease connections such as those present on a standard garden hose. Insuch cases, flexible conduit 101 may be provided with threaded end 110such as that shown in FIG. 3. In embodiments of the present invention inwhich it is desired that the operation of the invention be turned off,valve 112 such as that shown in FIG. 14 is employed. This valve controlswhether water from the spa jet is directed into the waters of the spa orinto the conduits of the present invention.

In various embodiments of the present invention mast 150 bears differentrelations with respect to hot tub or spa structure 120. For example,FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment in which mast 150 is disposed entirelyseparate and apart from spa or hot tub 120. It is in this embodimentthat the retrofittable characteristics of the present invention are mostapparent. In this embodiment, mast 150 is disposed within an opening infloor or ground or placed in a base affixed or positioned next to thespa or hot tub 115. Any other convenient mechanism for affixing mast 150to ground or floor 115 may also be provided, other than by theillustrated insertion into an opening.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment in which mast 150 is affixed to aside of hot tub or spa 120. Again affixation is by any convenientmechanism such as ties, straps, clamps, U-bolts, slots, or the like.This embodiment represents the next degree in relative ease ofretrofitting the present invention. In circumstances in which openingsare already present in spa or hot tub 120, an arrangement such as thatshown in FIG. 13 is employed. Such openings are ideally provided by tubor spa manufacturers in anticipation of providing logistical support formasts which actually may have been or are intended for other uses, suchas supporting a garment hook or hanger. In non-ideal situations, withcare, such an opening may be provided in tub or spa 120. However, thisis the least convenient mechanism, vis-à-vis retrofittability. In thesecircumstances, mast may be shorter than otherwise, as shown by mast 150′in FIG. 13.

In FIGS. 7 and 10 it is noted that the present invention may be enhancedby the addition of an insulation material around it (not shown), such asin the form of a wide hood, which is thrown over or disposed around atleast a portion of thermally conductive conduit 102. This materialpreferably comprises materials that are known for reflecting radiationat infrared energy frequencies. Such materials are conventionallyemployed in so-called “space blankets.” Alternatively, any convenientenclosure partially or wholly surrounding thermally conductive conduit102 may be provided. It may or may not be rigid but is preferablysupported directly by mast 150.

It is noted that the present invention may be packaged and deployed as akit of parts to be assembled by existing hot tub owners or which may besupplied in the future by hot tub developers and manufacturers. Forexample, the difficulty of packing and shipping a device having therelatively large volume occupied by the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 maybe ameliorated by providing the apparatus, particularly the rigidthermally conductive portion, in sections which are easily assembled onsite. The rigid thermally conductive portion may be provided in sectionsthat lie relatively flat in a package but which are joined together bythe use of a connection such as that shown in FIG. 11. Therein is showna friction fit conduit portion 104, such as a section of hose, affixedto conduits 101 or 102 by hose clamps 105. Such an arrangement is thepreferable mechanism for attaching flexible conduit 101 to thermallyconductive conduit 102. This is an alternative to the friction fitbetween conduits 101 and 102 shown in FIG. 7. When packaged as a kitwhich includes connection assemblies such as that shown in FIG. 11, mast150 is preferably supplied as a set of two or three mating sectionswhich are joined end to end to provide a mast of desired height.Alternatively, in such circumstances mast 150 may be provided as atelescoping device with appropriately spaced snap locks or the twistlocks or the like, as are conventionally found on tripods, especiallythose for supporting photographic equipment. With respect to making thepresent invention more compact (either for user convenience or forpacking and/or shipping), in addition to making the mast telescopic itis also possible to make conduit 102 out of an expandable material akinto a corrugated vacuum cleaner or radiator hose.

FIG. 12 illustrates in a block diagram format the overall structure ofthe present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates the intendedthermally conductive connection (as suggested by the set of 20 parallellines) between thermally conductive conduit 102 and object or material130 to be heated. FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 12 but includes otherembodiments, particularly those related to the use of a pump forcirculation and the use of a solar heater/collector.

An embodiment of the present invention in which a continuous supply ofhot tub or spa water is not required is shown in cross-sectional view inFIG. 15. Therein is shown a configuration for container 170 for holdinga medium which is capable of absorbing and conducting thermal energy toa cloth item which is to be warmed. Any convenient medium may be usedfor this purpose including already heated (the) spa water itself.However, gels or oil may be used, even such an oil as peanut oil. Rocks,pebbles or sand may also be used for this purpose. If spa water isemployed plug 171 is provided. Plug 171 may also be used for adding oilor sand to the container. Larger material such as rocks are moreconveniently added before assembly. Combinations of fluids, sand, rocksor pebbles may also be employed. While plug 171 is shown, it is alsopossible to provide this flow communication mechanism with a valve suchas valve 112 such as shown in FIG. 14. Plug 171 is also not limited tothe force fit sealing mechanism shown; rather, it is noted that a screwcap may also be employed. Clearly, more than one aperture into container170 may be provided.

The container comprises any convenient thermally conductive material butmay also comprise a plastic material such as PVC piping. The containerhas any shape which is convenient for enhancing the contact surface witha towel or garment to be warmed. While the figure shows container 170 ashaving multiple passages, it is noted that the invention may also beprovided in the form of a container having a single passage or one inwhich there is but a single chamber. In any event, this embodiment ofthe invention is also provided with a hook or loop for attachment to theaforementioned mast. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, thepresence of multiple passages by itself provides sufficient structurefor hanging it on the mast.

FIG. 16 illustrates one method for storage of the present invention. Inparticular, container 170 may be affixed to the bottom side of spa cover175. A convenient mechanism for this purpose is the use of Velcro orVelcro like fasteners 172. Such a mechanism is also usable for storageof coil 102 in FIG. 6. Likewise, it is noted that mast 150 may also beattached to the side of spa, tub or pool 120 through the use of adhesivecoated Velcro strips.

In operation, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 is immersed in hotspa water prior to use. As with the first mentioned embodiment, thisembodiment is also conveniently stored already immersed in the water sothat, when the water reaches its desired temperature, the warmer is alsoready to be used. Naturally, the exterior surface of the warmer does notinclude materials which have a propensity to absorb water. Thisembodiment, like the first described one, may also be provided in kitform. The passages shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be provided separatelyand either glued, screwed or clamped together to produce the structureshown.

While the present invention may employ a thermally conductive conduit(102) disposed in a serpentine or coiled configuration, it is alsopossible to provide parallel flow paths such as is shown in FIG. 17. Inthis embodiment, manifold 102 a is provided with heated water 125 fromspa vessel 120 such as from flexible conduit 101. Manifold 102 a feedsthermally conductive conduits 102.1 through 102.6. These conduits supplya fluid path to a matching manifold (not shown due to its similarity toalready shown manifold 102 a). While six conduits are shown anypractical number may be employed.

FIG. 18 illustrates the same parallel flow configuration as is shown inFIG. 17 except that here the structures are formed differently. Thisboth illustrates an alternative method of constructing the presentinvention and a structure that is more apt to be purchasable as anoff-the-shelf component. In particular, individual thermally conductiveconduits 102.1 through 102.6 may comprise a metal such as copper,aluminum or steel (especially stainless steel). These conduits are heldin place by shaped upper conductive layer 102 b and correspondinglyshaped lower layer 102 c. Layers 102 b and 102 c preferably comprise acompatible thermally conductive material. By “compatible” is meant onethat does not result in the contact of dissimilar metals. Layers 102 band 102 c not only provide a mechanism for holding conduits 102.1through 102.6 in place, they also provide an enhanced area for thetransfer of thermal energy to the object or objects to be heated (bycontact or otherwise).

FIG. 19 illustrates a variation on the structure show in FIG. 18. InFIG. 19, thermally conductive conduits 102 are provided in parallel byjoining together two mirror image sheets of metal, as by welding along aseem where the surfaces meet. This provides a convenient method ofmanufacture while at the same time provides a relatively flat are forhigh thermal conduction and contact with material to be heated. Twosheets 102 d and 102 e are joined together to meet these two objectives.

FIG. 20 illustrates the inclusion of a hook, peg, loop or other hangingmechanism 155 which may be provided with a spa or hot tub as sold orwhich may be added as an after-market item which may be affixed to thetub or spa by nails, screws, adhesives or any other convenientmechanism. Hanging device 155 may also be used to support a variation ofthe conductive coils as shown in FIG. 21. In this configuration thethermally conductive portion of the device is provided on front support140 which is hinged to back support 142. Hinge 141 may also comprise anangularly fixed connection between front support 140 and back support142 which may be provided with an aperture therein through which hook155 is disposed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a towel warmer comprisesa hollow container for holding a material capable of storing thermalenergy. A cross-sectional view through one such embodiment is shown inFIG. 22. Unlike some of the other embodiments described above, thisembodiment does not rely on a flow connection to a hot tub or spa.However, like the above-described embodiments, this embodiment alsorelies upon the thermal energy present in the tub water. In thisembodiment, the container is shaped to provide a contact surfaceconsistent with the shape of the item to be warmed, such as a towel, butalso including other items such as bath robes and swim wear. Thecontainer may include such items as oil, of any convenient variety,rocks or may even have an opening for the passage of spa water itself.This embodiment may also be mounted on the mast used for theabove-described embodiment or hung on the side of the tub forconvenience. The container is dimensioned and weighted to maintain,especially when containing the material to be warmed, a floatingposition just below the surface of water 125. This provides conveniencewhile at the same time providing maximal contact with the heated water.In general, however, the container may be found floating on top of thewater, at the bottom of the hot tub or, as indicated, just below thesurface.

In one embodiment the warmer comprises a cylindrical structure having acylindrical cross-section such as that shown in FIG. 22. However, flatconfigurations are also employable. Material to be warmed is placed involume 201 contained between outer thermally conductive sleeve 200 andintermediate thermally conductive sleeve 202. Volume 203 is defined byintermediate thermally conductive sleeve 202 and interior thermallyconductive sleeve 204. Innermost sleeve 204 provides a passage forheated spa or tub water. In operation, the object or material to bewarmed is placed within volume 201, the container is sealed and theentire apparatus is placed in water 125. Volume 203 contains a thermallyabsorptive material such as sand or oil. Material in volume 203 isheated by the passage of spa water through passage 205. Sleeves 200 and204 may also comprise flexible material so that water pressure assures acloser thermal contact between the heated spa water and the material tobe heated. In this embodiment, the container is preferably ballasted tolie at the bottom of spa water 125, in which case a retrieval string,cord or rope is provided for easy retrieval. It is also possible toprovide container 199 (FIG. 22) in the form of a sealable, flexible,ballasted plastic bag, again preferably with an aperture for a retrievalrope. The bag preferably has the same substantial shape as the clotharticle to be warmed.

FIG. 23 is viewable in two ways. In its first interpretation, FIG. 23 isseen as a side elevation, cross-sectional view through a cylindricalembodiment of this aspect of the present invention. However, in a secondinterpretation, it is seen that the spacing for the various volumespresent suggests a variation in which the material or object to bewarmed is placed in volume 203. In this alternative, volume 201 is thevolume that is provided with sand, oil or other convenient material forthe absorption and transport of thermal energy. In either case, thevolume containing the material to be warmed is releasably sealed. Thevolume containing thermally absorptive and conductive material ispreferably permanently sealed (volumes 201 or 203 depending on thecontext). Sealing is provided by any convenient mechanism 206, such as ascrew top, and preferably includes an O-ring seal. The precise shape ofthe structure is not critical and any conveniently shaped housing may beemployed. While FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate a cylindrical structure, itshould be realized that any conveniently shaped structure may beemployed for this purpose. These include toroids, cylinders with squarecross-sections, cylinders with triangular cross-sections (long prismaticstructures) and rectangular parallelopipeds. The shape is not critical.It is, however, desirable to provide as much contact with the alreadyheated spa water as possible.

FIG. 24 is similar to FIG. 12 but adds several optional elements. Inparticular, pump 113 and solar collector 114 are added to the elementsalready identified above with respect to the discussion of FIG. 12.Solar collectors are usually disposed on the roof of the hot tub or spa.In short, wherever they are disposed, solar collectors are more apt tobe present on higher structures. This means that it is harder for a spawater jet to supply water to be warmed to such a highly placedstructure. This is less of a problem when a solar collector is disposedat the same level as the spa structure. For higher locations, however,it is possible to provide a pump to overcome the head of water pressure.This pump may comprise a simple hand operated pump which is usable toprovide an initial priming of the conduits in the system. Thereafter, asimple circulating pump is employable. The hand pump is all that isneeded to get the flow of water started through the system. Thereafter,spa jets are more than adequate to carry the water through the system.However, pump 113 may also comprise a pump that is in continuousoperation.

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in whichcirculation of fluid through thermally conductive conduit 102 isprovided in a manner which does not depend on the use of spa jets. Inthis embodiment, flow is achieved through the use of circulating pump113 which is powered via solar photovoltaic collector 116 comprising oneor more cells which convert sunlight into electrical power for pump 113.It is noted that photovoltaic collector 116 and solar collector 114 maybe provided in a single unit, as suggested by the dashed line shown.

In many spas and hot tubs, chemical compounds which can be deleteriousto metals are employed for various reasons including sanitizing andenhancing water clarity. Compounds of this variety typically includeelements such as chlorine and bromine. In these circumstances, it isdesirable that any metal conduit portions be coated with an inertcoating that is immune to corrosion induced by these chemical compounds.As a further elaboration on the discussion above, it is noted that whilethe thermally conductive conduit may comprise a metal such as copper oraluminum (and alloys thereof). Thermally conductive plastics areemployable.

As pointed out above, where the present description refers to a spa orhot tub, any other similar structure is intended as long as a source orflow of warm water is available. Likewise, while the present inventionis desirable for heating towels, any other similar material may beheated, including a bathrobe or other article of clothing.

While the invention has been described in detail herein in accordancewith certain preferred embodiments thereof, many modifications andchanges therein may be effected by those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all suchmodifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope ofthe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A warmer for use in conjunction with a hot tubholding heated water, said warmer comprising: a first compartment,permanently sealed against water entry, said first compartmentcomprising thermally conductive material and being filled with thermallyabsorptive material, said thermally absorptive material being selectedfrom the group consisting of: rocks, oil and sand; a second, water tightcompartment for receiving an object to be warmed, said secondcompartment being disposed so as to be in thermal contact with saidfirst compartment; a removable cover for releasably sealing said secondcompartment, for preventing water entry into said second compartment,wherein the second compartment surrounds an outer surface of the firstcompartment and wherein the first compartment defines a passagetherethrough for water flow through the warmer, the warmer beingconfigured to be placed in the heated water of the hot tub therebywarming the object received in the second compartment.
 2. The warmer ofclaim 1 in which said first compartment comprises a cylindricalstructure.
 3. The warmer of claim 1 in which said second compartmentcomprises a cylindrical structure.
 4. The warmer of claim 1 in whichsaid warmer is ballasted to float.